By Umar Faruk
Birnin Kebbi, May 23, 2026 (Series News Online)— Two of Kebbi State’s most influential traditional rulers have thrown their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Nasir Idris as both leaders prepare for the 2027 General Elections.
The Emir of Gwandu and Chairman of the Kebbi State Council of Chiefs, His Royal Highness Alhaji Muhammadu Ilyasu Bashar, together with the Emir of Argungu, His Royal Highness Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammadu Mera, made their position known on Saturday during separate visits by Governor Idris to their palaces.
The visits came immediately after the governor took part in APC Direct Presidential Primary Election exercises conducted in selected wards in Birnin Kebbi and Argungu Local Government Areas.
Governor Idris was accompanied by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning and former Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; former Governor, Ambassador Sa’idu Usman Nasamu Dakingari; House of Representatives member, Bello A. Kaoje; senior APC officials; and other top government functionaries.
Receiving the governor at the Gwandu Palace in Birnin Kebbi, the Emir reflected on his decades of interaction with national figures, including former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“True leadership rests on trust, sincerity, and being close to the people,” the Emir said.
He commended Governor Idris for what he described as consistent humility, patience, and dedication to public welfare.
“Those virtues have won him the admiration of the traditional institution and the people of Kebbi State,” he said.
The monarch maintained that residents of the state continued to stand firmly with Governor Idris and President Tinubu owing to their record of performance.
“Kebbi people are solidly behind Governor Idris and President Tinubu because of the tangible impact of their leadership, their devotion to peace, and the sincere attention they have given to the progress of our state and country,” the Emir said.
He pledged sustained prayers from the traditional council for both administrations.
“We will continue to pray for the success of his government and that of President Tinubu,” he said.
Responding, Governor Idris described the palace as a vital centre for spiritual and political direction.
“This palace remains a spiritual and political compass for leaders who seek Allah’s guidance and blessings,” the governor said.
He noted that past presidents and governors, including former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Tinubu, had visited the palace before assuming office.
Governor Idris explained that the visit was to solicit royal prayers and backing for President Tinubu and the APC ahead of the 2027 polls.
“We are here to seek royal blessings and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC as we approach the 2027 elections,” he said.
He pointed to several federal projects and interventions that had reached Kebbi under the Tinubu administration.
“Kebbi State has gained significantly from the Tinubu administration through numerous development projects and programmes,” the governor said.
He argued that returning the President would guarantee the completion of ongoing initiatives and bring further dividends of democracy.
“A second term for the President will ensure that ongoing projects are completed and that more dividends of democracy reach our people,” he said.
At the Argungu Palace, the Emir praised Governor Idris for driving infrastructure and social programmes across the state, with particular impact in the Argungu Emirate.
“I laud Governor Idris for the extensive infrastructural development and people-focused programmes carried out across Kebbi State, especially within the Argungu Emirate,” the Emir said.
He also applauded President Tinubu for embarking on landmark national projects, singling out the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway.
“President Tinubu has shown commitment to national growth and unity,” he said, referencing the highway project.
The Emir restated his full backing for both leaders in the next election cycle.
“I restate my full support for President Tinubu and Governor Idris ahead of the 2027 elections,” he said.
He described Governor Idris as a leader with deep respect for traditional institutions.
“Governor Nasir Idris is a leader who holds traditional institutions in high regard,” the Emir said.
The monarch offered prayers for peace, unity, and sustained progress in Kebbi State and Nigeria.
While addressing the Argungu Emirate Council, Governor Idris thanked the emirate for its unwavering support and prayers for leaders.
“I am grateful to the Emirate for its steadfast support and prayers for leaders at every level,” he said.
He disclosed that the APC in Kebbi State had unanimously agreed to support President Tinubu’s second-term bid, citing extensive federal interventions in the state.
“The APC leadership in Kebbi State has resolved to back President Tinubu for a second term because of the many federal projects and interventions delivered in the state,” the governor said.
He gave an assurance that his administration would keep aligning with the Federal Government to advance development.
“My government will continue to support the Federal Government’s efforts to deliver meaningful development and improve the living conditions of our citizens,” he said.
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